Your toddler is crying and a video says the answer is to call out “Jessica!” as if somebody has just walked in. In the clips, some children stop and look around. That little pause can look like magic when you’ve spent ten minutes trying to get out the door. So what is actually happening?
What that pause can tell you
A sudden change in sound can catch a child’s attention. Sometimes an ordinary distraction does the same thing. If your toddler is starting to grumble about putting on shoes, pointing out the rain tapping on the window may give you a moment to offer the next step. A short clip can show a pause in crying. It can’t show whether the child feels better or how well the trick will work for your family.
ABC News reported on the “Jessica” trend in 2026. The experts it spoke to discussed distraction as one possible tool and emphasised attending to the child’s feelings and needs. The NHS also lists early distraction as something to try as a tantrum is starting.
Try a real thing you can notice together
At the first sign of frustration, look for something your child can see or do. “Can you hear the lift?” or “Shall we watch the red bus go past?” might buy a few seconds. Then come back to what was hard. “You wanted to stay outside. We have to go in. Can you carry the keys, or shall I?”
If your child is already crying hard or covering their ears, use a softer voice and fewer words. “You’re upset. I’m here.” Move to a quieter spot if you can. Check whether they are hungry, exhausted, uncomfortable or in pain. A child whose shoe is pinching needs help with the shoe.
Keep the limit simple
If the upset started because you said no to another biscuit, you can acknowledge the disappointment and keep the same answer. After they settle, you might say, “That was hard. You really wanted another one.” Leave the longer conversation for a time when they can listen. If outings or handovers often end like this, the EdCaptain transition guide has a simple picture cue you can prepare ahead of time.
And when a little distraction does help? Carry on with the next small step. You can leave your phone in your pocket and give your child privacy while they recover.
